The value of solar generator scheduling

Often, an off grid solar installation in Coconino, Yavapai and Mohave Counties requires solar generator support in the summer when the air conditioning kWh requirements exceed the solar kWh production.  Underproduction is also common in winter months with less sunshine especially if the home is heated with an electric appliance or furnace.

Routinely running a solar generator in the morning and evening during these periods requiring generator support can be a great strategy. 

This is because these are are typically two daily spikes in energy usage: 

1. start of day (hot water, kitchen appliances, personal appliances, etc.) and  
2. in the evening (kitchen appliances, AC, hot water, electronics, etc.) 

By running a generator during these time frames avoids battery discharge and in fact provides a battery top-up charge instead.

Additionally, some off grid homes have installed appliances that are too large for their inverter (e.g. electric dryer).  By running these large appliances during the scheduled generator run time,  you can bypass the inverter and support this large demand with “pass through” electricity directly from the generator.

Tip:  Consider running AC or electric heat on high during scheduled generator run times  to pre-cool or pre-heat your home. 

Generator scheduling is a part of Energy Management.   Please also see Energy Management.